Head-to-head · Science Learning Software
Inq-ITS vs PhET Interactive Simulations
Inq-ITS leads on 0 checks, PhET Interactive Simulations on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreInq-ITS · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly Inq-ITS
- Most featuresInq-ITS · 4 of 4
Inq-ITS scores higher on our rubric for science learning software: 9.2 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.
On science scope, PhET Interactive Simulations gives you K-12 science where Inq-ITS offers Multi-subject.
Inq-ITS is the better fit for teachers needing assessed virtual investigations. PhET Interactive Simulations is the better fit for learners needing broad, low-cost simulations.
- Inq-ITS fits best
Teachers needing assessed virtual investigations
- PhET Interactive Simulations fits best
Learners needing broad, low-cost simulations
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Side by side
| Feature | Inq-ITS 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | PhET Interactive Simulations 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #3 in Science Learning Software | #7 in Science Learning Software |
| Best for | Teachers needing assessed virtual investigations | Learners needing broad, low-cost simulations |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan · pricing on request · 30-day trial | Free plan · paid from $0.99 |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Browser extension | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Phone, Docs | Email, Docs |
| Integrations | 2 integrations | 3 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Inq-ITS 4/4 · PhET Interactive Simulations 3/4 | ||
| Interactive simulations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Virtual experiments | ✓ | ✓ |
| Guided lessons | ✓ | ✓ |
| Assessment tools | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Science scope | Multi-subject | K-12 science |
| Included learners | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Supported platforms | Web browser; Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iPad, and Android devices | Web browsers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and select Chromebooks |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Inq-ITS is a browser-based science learning environment for middle and high school students. It supports NGSS-aligned virtual labs across physical, life, and Earth science, with interactive simulations that guide learners through… Read the review → |
PhET Interactive Simulations is a University of Colorado Boulder project for learners and educators in K–12 and higher education. It provides interactive simulations across physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, mathematics, and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Inq-ITS — where it wins
- NGSS-aligned labs span physical, life, and Earth science
- Auto-grading, reports, and alerts support ongoing assessment
- Rex AI tutoring plus Google Classroom and Clever integration
Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires a sales conversation rather than published amounts
- The experience is focused on school-based science investigations
- Advanced workflows may require teacher setup and monitoring
PhET Interactive Simulations — where it wins
- Covers physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, math, and statistics
- Works online and offline across desktop and mobile platforms
- Includes activities, teaching tips, translations, and LMS embedding
Where it doesn't
- Core simulations are free only for non-commercial educational use
- Official iOS and Android apps cost $0.99 one time
- Assessment tools are not a stated core capability
- Inq-ITS9.2/10 · Free plan · pricing on request · 30-day trial
A structured virtual lab platform for assessed, NGSS-aligned science investigations.
Visit Inq-ITSFull verdict → - PhET Interactive Simulations8.7/10 · Free plan · paid from $0.99
A broad simulation library with offline apps and classroom resources at low cost.
Visit PhETFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update